Is hypertriglyceridemia atherogenic?

Hypertriglyceridemia occurs mainly because of metabolic disorders secondary to diabetes, alcohol intake, and/or overweight. Genetic factors have also been clearly identified in most severe cases. Triglycerides are generally considered as 'bystanders' for cardiovascular diseases. However, biological and basic research provides strong data suggesting that triglyceride-rich lipoproteins could be involved in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases.

The REDUCE-IT trial recently showed that icosapent ethyl reduces major cardiovascular events and related death.

For many years, low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) have been considered the Holy Grail for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease management. New data from basic research in biology, epidemiology, genetics, and preliminary clinical trials support the hypothesis that triglyceride-rich lipoproteins could be the causal factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; hence, triglyceride should be taken into consideration in the management of these patients. Omega-3-fatty acids used in the REDUCE-IT trial reduced the residual cardiovascular risk efficiently beyond statins. However, its effect has to be completely understood as it seems to be unrelated to LDLc or triglyceride reduction, but linked to pleiotropic effects involving inflammation, platelet adhesion, and plaque instability reduction, paving the way for trials that will target more specific potential pathophysiologic pathways.